LIMA, Ohio – A long-time spiritual leader at Mercy Health-St. Rita’s received a heartfelt farewell on Friday, marking the end of over two decades of service.
Father Charles Obinwa, who has been at St. Rita’s for 22 years, spent his final day greeting friends, colleagues, and parishioners during a farewell ceremony in the hospital lobby.
Father Charles, originally from Nigeria, has served at St. Rita’s as well as parishes in Van Wert, St. Mary’s, Delphos, and Fort Jennings. When reflecting on his time at St. Rita’s, he attributed his success and influence solely to his faith.
“To be honest, I give all glory to God because the ministry does not belong to me. It is a ministry of Jesus Christ. So I strongly believe, in my own small way, that God has helped me to touch many lives here, thousands and thousands of them. In nearly 23 years here, I’ve seen people in their vulnerability, at their lowest point in life. I’ve seen so many people die. Father Charles Obinwa commented, “From everything I’ve done and all my years here, that spiritual component is so important in life.”
Father Charles will then begin a new chapter as a priest at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Monroeville, Ohio.
